The First Call is Free

“Good evening, everyone. I’m Reverend Josie Falon of Starlight Ministries and I’d like to welcome you to our humble church. If we could just bow our heads and start with a prayer. Heavenly Father, we ask Your blessings on these good people. Keep their loved ones safe, bring them and their families the peace of Your presence. May they be united in love. Amen.

And now, the rules. For the benefit of all participants we ask that you use speaker phone so we can all hear, and of course keep it clean. The first call is free; if you want more time you’ll have to speak with the man upstairs. Any questions? No?

So let’s get started. Sir—you in the blue tie—would you like to go first?”

“I guess.”

“And who will you be calling?”

“My wife.”

“Great. If you could please dial your wife’s number and place the cell phone on the table.”

“I’m using my own phone to call Iraq? How, exactly, is that free?”

“Have faith. I promise, no charges will appear on your bill. If by some miracle they do, then please come back and we’ll reimburse you.”

“Whatever. Here goes nothing."

"Hello?”

“Susan? Susan is that you? We thought you were dead!”

“Well I’ll be. Hey, baby! God I’ve missed you!”

“I've missed you too honey. How are you?”

“I’m fine. Recovering. It’s been a long three months. How’s the kids?”

“Jeremy is doing okay; he draws pictures of you constantly. Samantha, she’s—she’s not doing so well. Acting out and whatnot. She thinks you’ve deserted her.”

“I know; I’m sorry. I had hoped Samantha would understand, but teens, it’s harder to get through to them. “

“Tell me something I don't know. So when are you coming home?”

“Baby, I’m sorry but that’s a ‘need to know’ basis. You don’t have clearance.”

“You spooks and your secrets. Can I at least get a hint?”

“A long time. Could be years.”

“Seriously? They can't do that!”

“Yeah, they can; they pretty much own me. It's going to take time to heal, and then retraining; lots of loose ends to tie up here before I can come back. Don’t be mad, okay, but I have a request.”

“Anything.”

“I want you to find someone. Someone who will love you every day, not just two weeks furlough a year, but everyday. A teacher, a secretary, you know, someone normal.”

“I can wait. As long as it takes.”

“Impossible. Boss says I can keep tabs on the kids, but no contact.”

“Tell him I’d give my left arm to see you again.”

“He knows, honey, believe me. Listen, gotta go, but tell the kids I love them, I miss them, and I'll be in touch soon.”

“Susie Q?”

“Yes?”

“I want to hold you in my arms. Kiss you. If you can't come home then I'm coming over there!“

“Afraid that goes against protocol and you couldn't find me anyway. Just remember our love and know I'm with you always. Always. Love you like the rock of ages, Geno baby. Bye.”

“Goodbye my love.

So that’s it? A hello and a goodbye? What kind of scam are you running here? I got more information from the US Government.”

“No scam, sir, just a phone call.”

“That’s interesting because her cell phone is in my pocket. Did y'all hear it ring? I didn't.”

“The Lord works in mysterious ways, son.”

“Yeah, and so does the Agency. For all I know that could have been a computer program spitting out phrases recorded months ago. Nice parlor trick, but I’m not buying what you’re selling.”

“I’m sorry you feel that way. We aren't selling anything but we do accept donations. It is blessing enough to do God’s work.”

“Bullshit. Corporal Rodgers sent me; said you specialize in finding missing persons but what are you getting from this deal? A few more souls to 'save' so you can pick their pockets? Whatever happened to separation of church and state?”

“We have no affiliation with the government; we offer counseling and nothing more.”

“Right. 'Counseling'. Well consider this little racket you got going here exposed. Because I’m going to march across this street and order a triple shot of Jack, then I’m calling everyone I know including my buds at Channel 7 News. But first, watch me hit redial. Don't worry--I’ll pay for the second call myself.”

“Your choice, sir. Have a wonderful day. God bless you and your family.”

"Hey, thanks, but I've had enough of God's 'blessings'."

* * *

"Hello?”

“Susan? Is it really you?”

“Well I’ll be. Hey, baby! God I’ve missed you!”

“We've been through this. You need to tell me what's going on right now.”

“I’m fine. Recovering. It's been a hard three months. How’s the kids?”

“How do you think they are? They miss their mother.”

“I know; I’m sorry. I had hoped Samantha would understand, but teens, it’s harder to get through to them.“

“This isn't funny. I want to talk to my wife. I want answers. Where is she? When can I see her?. Wait--need to know, right?”

“Actually I was going to say 'sooner than you think'. I've been advised plans have changed.”

“Oh thank God! I was positive I was talking to a high tech answering machine!”

“Nope. I’m right here. Don’t be afraid.”

“Afraid of what? I’m not scared of anyth…“

* * *

“The first call is free. And who would you like to speak with, sweetie?”

"My daddy. Here's a picture I drew of him and Mommy in heaven.”



wc:902
First place October, 2011

ID: 1679316   (Rated: E) What a Character!  Create a memorable character using the given prompt for huge prizes! by Diane